The United States Navy is set to open a public comment period on its proposed remedial action plan for Noman’s island— a 600-acre dot off the coast of Chilmark that was used as a naval gunnery range and aerial bombardment site for much of the 20th century.
A large project to remove World War II-era munitions from Cape Pogue is scheduled to resume this month, with additional work required because of the large quantity of practice bombs found in the area.
The state police bomb squad was called to Chappaquiddick after the discovery of two World War II practice bombs, later determined to be inert, on a remote barrier beach at Cape Pogue.
The Army Corps of Engineers has recommended a $9.8 million project to remove practice bombs and other debris from a former World War II bombing range along the south shore. The five-year investigation and feasibility study was completed this month.
Underlying the peaceful scene at Cape Pogue Bay are an unknown number of unexploded practice bombs, dating to wartime years when the area was used for military training.
Residents along the south shore of the Island will likely hear loud explosions next Friday due to an operation conducted by the U.S. Navy to clear and remove unexploded ordnance on Noman’s Land left over from training exercises during World War II.
The operation to collect and detonate munitions was initially scheduled for today, although a Navy spokesman said yesterday it was postponed until next Friday, Oct. 10, due to the threat of inclement weather.
